Southampton and Leeds 'are monitoring 18-year-old Man City starlet Romeo Lavia'

Manchester City will attempt to keep hold of prized academy asset Romeo Lavia, with Southampton and Leeds both reportedly interested in signing the Belgian midfielder.

Fresh from lifting the Premier League 2 title with City's Under 23s team, the 18-year-old is now a target for a number of Premier League clubs, as claimed by The Athletic.

The holding midfielder made his senior debut for Pep Guardiola's first team last season, featuring against Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup and was included in their FA Cup squad on multiple occasions.

But now the Premier League champions face a battle to keep hold of the talented midfielder who many at the Etihad feel isn't far away from breaking into the senior team.

Southampton have already agreed a deal for City's goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and could now return to the club to conduct more summer business, with Lavia emerging as a target for Ralph Hassenhutl.

Leeds United are also reportedly considering a bid with boss Jesse Marsch keen to boost his portfolio of midfielders at Elland Road with a summer departure of Kalvin Phillips possible.

Joining City from boyhood club Anderlecht at just 16 in 2020, the talented holding midfielder initially joined their U18s side but was quickly promoted to the club's fabled elite development squad.

Lavia impressed in his combative midfield role and received the academy's Player of the Season award following his involvement in helping City lift an inaugural Premier League 2 title last year.

The youngster continued to build on youth success, getting called up to the U23s team and catching the eye against more mature opposition, including a dominant performance in City's 3-0 win over Manchester United last season.

Guardiola had seen enough quality from the youth star to hand Lavia his senior debut along with adding him to City's A-list Champions League group stage squad.

Lavia has made 61 appearances across the various club squads, scoring two goals and registering five assists.